Your guide to the best hotels, casinos, and gambling in Las Vegas

The best Las Vegas casinos

Gambling on The Strip

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Wynn Las Vegas & Encore casino

As you might expect, the action at Wynn is both sophisticated and decidedly pricey. Blackjack minimums start at $15, with a few single-deck games that pay the reduced 6:5 for naturals; hotel guests can also play 21 poolside at the Cabana Bar. Craps minimums are similar to blackjack. A single-zero roulette wheel is usually open in the high-limit room, though the minimums are high. The slots run the gamut from pennies to a $5,000 machine. Amazingly, Wynn has tried to attract local video-poker players with full-pay machines at higher denominations (very rare), though the schedules change unexpectedly; check the Las Vegas Advisor for their comings and goings. The keno lounge is one of the most comfortable in town. Games: Baccarat ($100–$15,000); Big Six; blackjack ($15–$10,000); craps (3x, 4x, 5x; from $10); Let it Ride; mini baccarat ($50–$10,000); pai gow poker; pai gow tiles; poker (26 tables); roulette (single & double zero); three-card poker.

Bellagio casino

The Bellagio’s casino draws celebs such as Ben Affleck and Drew Barrymore, but its ostentatious luxury verges on vulgar: the upholstery, carpets and striped canopies are a clash of colors and patterns. As you might expect, table limits are higher than at most Strip properties: minimums are often $25-$50 and it’s difficult to find even $10 blackjack. Still, the race and sports book is one of the most comfortable in town, and the poker room has replaced Binion’s as the mecca for pros, sharks and big-time players. Games: Baccarat ($100–$15,000); Big Six; blackjack ($10–$10,000); Caribbean stud; craps (3x, 4x, 5x; from $5); casino war; Let it Ride; mini baccarat ($25–$15,000); pai gow poker; pai gow tiles; poker (40 tables); roulette (single & double zero); three-card poker; slots.

Planet Hollywood casino

In previous years Planet Hollywood’s casino underwent a number of renovations. It seems to have finally hit a groove, and its race and sports book is one of the most comfortable around, with 33 plasma TVs and a VIP lounge. Games: Baccarat ($100–$15,000); blackjack ($5–$3,000); craps (3x, 4x, 5x; from $5); keno; Let it Ride; mini baccarat ($25–$5,000); pai gow poker; poker (11 tables); roulette (double zero).